The Big 6
Every evening at 6 o’clock, WLR brings you the 6 of Waterford’s biggest stories of the day.
1. 406-day dispute ends as Debenhams workers vote to accept deal
A 406-day dispute by Debenhams workers has come to a close today.
Members voted by a majority of 319 to 102 to accept the offer of a 3 million euro training fund.
However, former Waterford shop steward, Michelle Gavin says this doesn’t mean that they think the offer is adequate – just that they felt they really had no other choice.
She says it’s a bitter/sweet day, as those involved in the protest had formed a close group:
2. Government to ask local authorities to work with owners of vacant properties | Waterford Council sees rise in planning applications
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath has said that the Government will be asking local authorities to actively work with the owners of vacant properties to identify the reasons why a property was vacant and what needed to be done to return it to use.
Meanwhile, planning applications in Waterford have shot up in the first quarter of this year.
82 applications were received in April, almost double the number in the same month last year.
3. Minister for OPW visits Ardmore over coastal erosion concerns
Ardmore is one of many coastal areas of concern when it comes to erosion.
So says the Minister of State for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan, who is visiting the west-Waterford seaside resort today.
Local representatives and the county council have requested that he look into what can be done to address the problem. But speaking on Déise Today, Minister O’Donovan said there’s more than Ardmore affected.
4. Waterford IT named Basketball Ireland Centre of Excellence
Waterford IT and Letterkenny IT have been named as Basketball Ireland Centres of Excellence, bringing the total to four. In March NUI Galway and Ulster University in Jordanstown were the first two Centres of Excellence announced. Basketball Ireland plans to have 8-10 Centres of Excellence rolled out nationwide.
Donna Drohan, Facilities and Events Manager at WIT Arena, said: “We are excited to strengthen our ties with Basketball Ireland in becoming their South East Centre of Excellence'"
5. Historic Salterbridge House sold
The historic Salterbridge House and Estate in Cappoquin has been sold after almost a year on the market.
The new owner is understood to be Stephen Vernon, an Irish businessman, who becomes only the third ever owner of this magnificent property which was built in 1751 by Richard Musgrave on land acquired from the Lismore Estate.
The 140 acre estate which comprises the elegant Victorian residence, a steward’s house, two gate lodges and renowned gardens a stone’s throw from Lismore was put on the market in June 2020 with an asking price of €3.25 million.
6. Excitement builds among ‘Friends’ fans as the official reunion trailer drops
The much anticipated event, which will stream on HBO Max on May 27th, won’t see the cast in character, but rather the six friends reminiscing about their time on the hit show that ran for ten years. There will be lots of inputs from other celebs too; Lady Gaga, Kit Harrington and Tom Selleck (who played Monica’s older boyfriend Richard) to name but a few.
